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    This course is part of the Business in Society track.
    Introduction to Business and Climate Change

    ENROLL NOW

    No application needed for our certificate programs. Start your journey today!
     

    Business and Climate Change

    $1,850
    Next 5-week session starts July 30th
    Enroll Now
    Prepare yourself and your organization for the business risks and opportunities created by climate change.
    5
    weeks
    5-6
    hours per week
    3
    modules
    Self-Paced
    with regular deadlines

     This course earns you a Certificate of Completion from HBS Online. What you earn.

    Overview
    Syllabus
    Enrollment
    Stories
    FAQs
    Enroll Now

    Key Concepts

    Understand the science, economic impact, and policy implications of climate change
    Identify and communicate the risks and opportunities posed by climate change across industries
    Leverage insights from real-world examples to inform future strategies for adapting to climate change
    Think critically and creatively to develop business solutions that mitigate climate change
    Explore climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts’ scalability, costs, and benefits to inform decisions related to your industry and role

    Who Will Benefit

    Explore how companies in various industries are adapting to and preparing for climate change and leverage those insights to inform your organization’s strategy.
    "I am early in my career and am looking for a path to becoming a chief sustainability officer or sustainability manager with a company I can align my values with. This class seemed like the perfect opportunity to give me the right tools to learn more about this field."
    Desirée Kaplan
    Writer at Green Matters
    Understand climate change to think critically and creatively about solutions that could mitigate it.
    "I now have a better understanding of sustainability and which companies are doing it right. I’m armed with talking points proving that sustainability is good for business, the environment, and its people."
    Brooks Wallace
    Public relations professional looking to learn about sustainable business practices
    Learn the business risks and opportunities of developing or investing in new climate change-oriented solutions.
    "The course has completely changed me today. I feel like a new person, with a new thought process, driven by purpose, committed to doing the right thing."
    Mayank Dubey
    Manager, Marketing Communications at Endress+Hauser

    What You Earn

    Certificate of Completion

    Certificate of Completion

    Boost your resume with a Certificate of Completion from HBS Online

    Earn by: completing this course

    Certificate of Specialization

    Certificate of Specialization

    Prove your mastery of business in society

    Earn by: completing any three courses within this subject area to earn a Certificate of Specialization

    Learn More about what you earn

    Syllabus

    3 Modules, 25-30 Hours
    Download full syllabus
    5-6
    hrs
    Module 1 - 1 week

    The Fundamentals of Climate Change

    Understand climate change science fundamentals and how to assess economic and public policy issues associated with climate change.

    Highlights

    Property Rights in Fisheries
    Positive Feedback Loops
    Club Goods and Common Goods
    ShowHide Details

    Concepts

    1. Course Introduction
    2. The Science of Climate Change
    3. The Economics and Public Policy of Climate Change

    Featured Exercises

    • Analyze and reflect on greenhouse gas emissions rise and different industries’ contributions
    • Consider the implications of imperfect markets
    • Understand command, control, and market-based mechanisms for correcting market failures in the context of climate change
    10-12
    hrs
    Module 2 - 2 weeks

    Adapting to Climate Change

    Identify physical manifestations of climate change, learn how businesses assess and manage the risks and opportunities associated with climate stressors, and evaluate adaptation measures currently being pursued in different industries and geographies worldwide.

    Highlights

    Heat Impacts to Human Health
    Flood Prevention Methods
    Reduce, Transfer, and Bear
    ShowHide Details

    Concepts

    1. Heat
    2. Water Scarcity
    3. Wildfires
    4. Storms and Floods
    5. Sea-Level Rise
    6. Changes in the Ocean

    Featured Exercises

    • Consider how your firm assesses climate change’s physical effects and its impact on suppliers, operations, and customers
    • Apply the three-step approach to climate adaptation
    • Identify challenges you could encounter proposing adaptation practices within your company
    • Reflect on the issues businesses may face when planning for stressors on a longer time horizon, such as rising sea levels or ocean changes
    9-11
    hrs
    Module 3 - 2 weeks

    Mitigating Climate Change

    Explore the key processes involved in developing and scaling a mitigation strategy, assess emissions sources across a product’s lifecycle, and understand how technology to facilitate and accelerate mitigation can create business opportunities.

    Highlights

    Carbon Footprinting
    BMW's Approach to Emissions Reduction
    Greenhouse Gas Protocol
    ShowHide Details

    Concepts

    1. New Belgium Brewing: Creating a Mitigation Strategy
    2. The BMW Group: Reducing Emissions Across the Value Chain
    3. Expanding Mitigation Possibilities
    4. Business and Climate Change: Course Conclusion

    Featured Exercises

    • Evaluate how your company measures its emissions and how it might reduce them
    • Identify key emissions sources and variables companies should consider when selecting a mitigation project to pursue
    • Assess the pros and cons associated with pursuing policy advocacy and using carbon offsets as mitigation strategies
    • Brainstorm how adaptation and mitigation progress might affect one another and synergies or tensions between the two
    Free E-Book

    How to Be a Purpose-Driven, Global Business Professional

    This guide will equip you with the skills needed to define your purpose, make the case for corporate social responsibility to internal stakeholders, further your education, and help enact change.
    Access Your Free E-book

    Upskill Your Team, Transform Your Organization

    Whether you represent a large multinational corporation or a small local business, we have a solution for your learning and development needs.
    Learn More

    Our Difference

    Business and Climate Change is an online course that will teach you to identify and communicate climate risks and opportunities and implement relevant strategies. You’ll understand the science, economic impact, and policy implications of climate change and explore how companies in various industries are adapting and preparing to do business in a changing climate.
    Stay active by engaging in a new activity every three to five minutes.
    Stay active by engaging in a new activity every three to five minutes.
    Description of silent animated video above: Learner completes an interactive question by dragging and dropping choices into two different categories
    Get social by collaborating and networking with a global community of peers before, during, and after the course. Learners who successfully complete an HBS Online program are added to the HBS Online Community's Official Networking Group and gain exclusive access to events and other networking opportunities.
    Get social by collaborating and networking with a global community of peers before, during, and after the course. Learners who successfully complete an HBS Online program are added to the HBS Online Community's Official Networking Group and gain exclusive access to events and other networking opportunities.
    Description of silent animated video above: Learner types an answer in the discussion board in response to a peer's question
    Immerse yourself in real-world, case-based examples brought to life by Harvard faculty and industry-leading experts from companies like Driscoll’s, Clearwater Seafoods, the BMW Group, PG&E Corporation, New Belgium Brewing, Gro Intelligence, and Indigo Carbon.
    Immerse yourself in real-world, case-based examples brought to life by Harvard faculty and industry-leading experts from companies like Driscoll’s, Clearwater Seafoods, the BMW Group, PG&E Corporation, New Belgium Brewing, Gro Intelligence, and Indigo Carbon.
    Description of silent animated video above: Learner scrolls through video interviews from prominent business leaders

    About the Professor

    Forest Reinhardt
    Business and Climate Change

    John D. Black Professor of Business Administration
    "Companies will have to play an active role if we, as a society, are to have any realistic hope of managing the challenges presented by climate change."

    Michael Toffel
    Business and Climate Change

    Senator John Heinz Professor of Environmental Management
    "This course will introduce you to many ways in which climate change is affecting companies, and how managers are responding."

    Dates & Eligibility

    No current course offerings for this selection.

    Starting
    Jul
    30
    5 Weeks  $1,850 + applicable international taxes
    Payment deadline July 24
    View weekly calendar
    Enroll Now
    Starting
    Nov
    12
    5 Weeks  $1,850 + applicable international taxes
    Payment deadline November 6
    View weekly calendar
    Enroll Now
    • No documentation required

    All learners must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the course.

    Learn about bringing this course to your organization.

    Learner Stories

    80%
    say HBS Online offers a better overall experience than competitive online business programs
    Participating in the student discussions was empowering. It ignited a drive within me to learn and absorb as much as I could.
    Leslie Pico
    A small business owner and tech entrepreneur from Arizona
    Programming & System Analysis, Biomedical Engineering, Estrella Mountain Community College
    Small Business Administration, Northern Arizona University
    As always, the case studies are eye-opening. The content is superb, and the presentation of the case is superb as well.
    Richard Pitts
    VP and Senior Medical Director at St. Joseph Heritage Health
    Read more learner stories
    * Source: 2022 surveys and course data
     
    All FAQs

    Business and Climate Change FAQs

    What are the learning requirements in order to successfully complete the course, and how are grades assigned?

    +–

    Business and Climate Change participants are eligible for a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Business School Online.

    Participants are expected to fully complete all coursework in a thoughtful and timely manner. This means completing each course module and fully answering questions posed therein by the required deadline. This course also features recommended weekly deadlines to help ensure your cohort proceeds through the course at a similar pace and can take full advantage of social learning opportunities. In addition to module completion, we expect participation in the social learning elements of the course by offering feedback on others’ reflections and contributing to conversations on the platform. Participants who fail to complete the course requirements will not receive a certificate and will not be eligible to retake the course.

    More detailed information on course requirements will be communicated at the start of the course. No grades are assigned for Business and Climate Change. Participants will either be evaluated as complete or not complete.

    What materials will I have access to after completing Business and Climate Change?

    +–

    You will have access to the materials in every prior module as you progress through the program. Access to course materials and the course platform ends 60 days after the final program deadline.

    At the end of each course module, you’ll be able to download a PDF summary highlighting key concepts introduced in the course. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a PDF compilation of all the module summary documents. We hope these serve as a helpful resource after you finish the course.

    How should I list my certificate on my resume?

    +–

    Once you've earned your Certificate of Completion, list it on your resume along with the date of completion:

    Harvard Business School Online
    Certificate in Business and Climate Change
    [Cohort Start Month and Year]

    List your certificate on your LinkedIn profile under "Education" as follows:

    School: Harvard Business School Online
    Dates Attended: [The year you participated in the program]
    Degree: Certificate in Business and Climate Change
    Field of Study: Leave blank
    Grade: "Complete"
    Activities and Societies: Leave blank

    Description:

    Business and Climate Change is a 5-week, 25-30-hour online certificate program from Harvard Business School. It offers professionals from diverse backgrounds economics- and science-based solutions and strategies to address climate change risks and opportunities through the lens of business.

     

    Related Programs

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    CLIMB enables new and experienced leaders to ignite their careers with a combination of vital and forward-looking business skills, self-reflection, and an immersive cohort-based learning experience with a diverse global network.

    1 year, 5-9 hrs/week
    Apply by September 10th, Enroll by September 13
    $15,000 (four installments of $3,750)Credential 

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    3 weeks, 7-9 hrs/week
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    Global Business

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    Understand how decisions affect markets and business on a global scale and prepare for the political, social, and economic factors driving change.

    4 weeks, 6-8 hrs/week
    Pay by July 24
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    Sustainable Investing

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    Evaluate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and learn how to incorporate them into investment decisions and measure and manage their impact.

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    All FAQs

    Top FAQs

    How are HBS Online courses delivered?

    +–

    We offer self-paced programs (with weekly deadlines) on the HBS Online course platform.

    Our platform features short, highly produced videos of HBS faculty and guest business experts, interactive graphs and exercises, cold calls to keep you engaged, and opportunities to contribute to a vibrant online community.

    Are HBS Online programs available in languages other than English?

    +–

    We expect to offer our courses in additional languages in the future but, at this time, HBS Online can only be provided in English.

    All course content is delivered in written English. Closed captioning in English is available for all videos. There are no live interactions during the course that requires the learner to speak English. Coursework must be completed in English.

    Do I need to come to campus to participate in HBS Online programs?

    +–

    No, all of our programs are 100 percent online, and available to participants regardless of their location.

    How do I enroll in a course?

    +–

    Certificate Programs

    HBS Online welcomes committed learners wherever they are—in the world and their careers—irrespective of their professional experience or academic background. To extend the reach of HBS Online, we no longer require an application for our certificate programs. (Applications are still required for our credential programs: CORe and CLIMB.) You can now immediately enroll and start taking the next step in your career.

    All programs require the completion of a brief online enrollment form before payment. If you are new to HBS Online, you will be required to set up an account before enrolling in the program of your choice.

    Our easy online enrollment form is free, and no special documentation is required. All participants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the program.

    Updates to your enrollment status will be shown on your account page. HBS Online does not use race, gender, ethnicity, or any protected class as criteria for enrollment for any HBS Online program.

    Credential Programs

    HBS Online's CORe and CLIMB programs require the completion of a brief application. The applications vary slightly, but all ask for some personal background information. You can apply for and enroll in programs here. If you are new to HBS Online, you will be required to set up an account before starting an application for the program of your choice.

    Our easy online application is free, and no special documentation is required. All participants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the program.

    Updates to your application and enrollment status will be shown on your account page. We confirm enrollment eligibility within one week of your application for CORe and three weeks for CLIMB. HBS Online does not use race, gender, ethnicity, or any protected class as criteria for admissions for any HBS Online program.

    Does Harvard Business School Online offer an online MBA?

    +–

    No, Harvard Business School Online offers business certificate programs.

    What are my payment options?

    +–

    We accept payments via credit card, wire transfer, Western Union, and (when available) bank loan. Some candidates may qualify for scholarships or financial aid, which will be credited against the Program Fee once eligibility is determined. Please refer to the Payment & Financial Aid page for further information.

    We also allow you to split your payment across 2 separate credit card transactions or send a payment link email to another person on your behalf. If splitting your payment into 2 transactions, a minimum payment of $350 is required for the first transaction.

    In all cases, net Program Fees must be paid in full (in US Dollars) to complete registration.

    What are the policies for refunds and deferrals?

    +–

    After enrolling in a program, you may request a withdrawal with refund (minus a $100 nonrefundable enrollment fee) up until 24 hours after the start of your program. Please review the Program Policies page for more details on refunds and deferrals. If your employer has contracted with HBS Online for participation in a program, or if you elect to enroll in the undergraduate credit option of the Credential of Readiness (CORe) program, note that policies for these options may differ.

     

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